Inclusive School Practices for Complex Communicators
with Alexandra (Alex) Nelson, M.S., CCC-SLP, SYC in Educational Leadership

Register: $15 USD

Topic: Neurodiversity-affirming services for complex communicators in the school setting. #AAC

Course Description: This educational session will compare outdated standard practices of special education”inclusion” in school settings with neurodiversity-affirming inclusion best practices that are grounded in contemporary, cutting-edge evidence. Presented by an impassioned Speech Language Pathologist with solid experience in integrating AAC use throughout the school day, this course will empower school-based therapy providers, educators, and families with effective strategies to implement and provide real and meaningful inclusion to students with complex communication needs in grades PK – 12 within a general education setting. 

Learning Objectives:

• Define meaningful inclusion and inclusive practices within the public school setting as compared to more stereotypical versions of these practices – superficial vs. deep learning.
• Describe at least three best practices and techniques for implementing and executing interdisciplinary/team-based approaches within a public school setting, with an emphasis on authentic communication for Complex Communicators.
• Explain at least two different and specific ways to facilitate and enhance a student’s meaningful participation in the classroom setting, from inception to implementation, with respect to communication, curricular engagement, and physical accessibility.

Audience: This educational presentation is designed for school, family, and community stakeholders in public schools, including pediatric SLPS, OTs, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and families.

Course Includes: Professional Development Certificate and Slide Handout

Presenter Bio: Alex Nelson, a Speech-Language Pathologist and prospective Special Education administrator for a public school system is eager to share her extensive knowledge base acquired through the support of, programming for, and deeply rooted in relationships with a wide range of disabled students, ages 3-22. Alex is an ardent advocate for neurodiversity-affirming accessibility, and inclusive practices, specifically with respect to students who have distinct learning styles, complex communication needs, and/or may be doubly marginalized.

Alex loves the school setting because it affords the ability to efficiently collaborate with various professionals and families for the greater good of the student. In order to best meet all of her students’ needs and facilitate a “reframing” of their profiles from a strengths-based lens, Alex has initiated and orchestrated several building-based Professional Development sessions about neurodiversity and inclusive practices for classroom teachers, and recently designed and implemented communication boards for all preschool, elementary, and town park playgrounds across her district to enhance communication among neurotypical and neurodivergent peers through play.